Manila: Taiwan’s government has donated US$200,000 to the Philippines to support relief and recovery efforts following a magnitude-6.9 earthquake that devastated Cebu Province. The quake, which struck late last month, resulted in the loss of at least 72 lives and left 559 individuals injured.
According to Focus Taiwan, the donation was handed over by Taiwan’s representative to the Philippines, Wallace Chow, to Cherbett Maralit, deputy resident representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), at Taiwan’s representative office in Manila. MECO acts on behalf of Manila’s interests in Taipei, given the absence of formal diplomatic relations.
In his address, Chow expressed his sympathy for those impacted by the disaster, emphasizing Taiwan’s readiness to collaborate with the Philippines on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. He conveyed hopes for a swift recovery and restoration in the affected areas, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming challenges posed by natural disasters.
Cherbett Maralit, along with Kevin Dinsay, legal counsel in the Office of the Cebu Governor, extended their gratitude for Taiwan’s generous donation. They confirmed that the funds would be directed towards reconstruction efforts in the impacted regions.
Dinsay further shared that Cebu is actively engaged in rebuilding efforts, focusing on the restoration of vital infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and harbors. The earthquake caused significant damage, affecting over 36,000 buildings.
